All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Jim Bisignaro organizes a “skat” golf game most weekends at the Pennsauken Country Club. At the end of the game, 35 to 40 golfers chip in a dollar per person, which is then donated to the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit that provides free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

This year alone, participants in Pennsauken Country Club’s “skat” game have raised $1,150 for the organization. To date, the group has donated almost $2,000 total for the Fisher House Foundation.

“The Fisher House Foundation is the ‘Ronald McDonald House’ for veterans’ families,” explains Bisignaro. “When we decided to fundraise, Bobby Alexander, one of our players who is very involved with the veterans, vetted different organizations. We decided that the Fisher House Foundation would use our money the best.”

The Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. The Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since its inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $282 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Several members of the group who play the “skat” event at the Pennsauken Country Club are veterans, including Bisignaro and Alexander. The entire group of golfers plan to continue donating to this worthwhile organization after each game.

“At the end of our games, someone always reminds us all to take care of the veterans,” adds Bisignaro. “And we do.”